Saturday, February 12, 2011

Guptill century powers New Zealand win


Martin Guptill's century powered New Zealand to a 32-run win despite a spirited chase by Ireland in the World Cup warm-up match in Nagpur.


Opening the innings, Guptill struck 12 fours and three sixes on his way to 130 from 134 deliveries after being inserted by Ireland's captain William Porterfield on a flat track at Nagpur. Despite sliding to defeat, Ireland showed enough to suggest they could be a dangerous side in Group B, with Porterfield leading Ireland's chase with a 74-ball 72.



Guptill was the rock though and after a frustrating series against Pakistan, where he looked in good touch without going on to make the telling contribution, this innings will please him and the New Zealand management greatly.